A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE COUNCILMAN Willar H. HIGHTOWER, Jr. UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM AIKEN COUNTY COUNCIL, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS OVER FORTY YEARS OF DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Councilman Willar H. Hightower, Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement from Aiken County Council in May of 2023; and

 

Whereas, Councilman Hightower was born to parents Reverend Willard H. and Janie Sweeney Hightower, who raised him to serve others and improve his community; and

 

Whereas, Councilman Hightower graduated from Schofield Normal and Industrial School in the 1960s, before the end of legal segregation in Aiken County schools. He later graduated from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg and went on to lead a full career in engineering for DuPont and Westinghouse at Savannah River Site before retiring from engineering; and

 

Whereas, Councilman Hightower then went on to earn his Master's in Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta in 2010; and

 

Whereas, Councilman Hightower began his time in public service as an Aiken City Councilmember. He served in the municipal government for five years before his election to the District 8 Council Seat, a position he held for the next thirty-six years; and

 

Whereas, during his time as a member of council, Councilman Hightower served as an instrumental member of the Aiken Planning and Zoning Commission. He also served as a member of the Council's Development Committee as well as in positions on the boards of other public service agencies such as the Lower Savannah Council of Governments. He played integral roles in many projects that put his rapidly-growing community in a good position for further stable growth; and

 

Whereas, many notable projects and achievements occurred during Councilman Hightower's service, including the development of Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, the establishment of the E-911 Emergency Dispatch System, expansion and improvements to the Aiken County Judicial Center, the development of solid waste drop-off centers, expansion of recreational opportunities for County residents to give children a safe place to gather, the expansion of Emergency Medical Services throughout the county, the development of a modern, direct-supervision Detention Center, and many other projects that improved the lives of Aiken County citizens; and

 

Whereas, a devout Christian, Councilman Hightower is an active member of Friendship Baptist Church in Aiken; and

 

Whereas, as he approaches his eightieth year, Councilman Hightower's career as a politician has encompassed more than half of his life. He is praised and respected by his colleagues for his selflessness and dedication, as well as the lasting impact he has had on his community through his work; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the passion and dedication that Councilman Hightower has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Councilman Hightower upon the occasion of his retirement, commend him for his over forty years of dedicated service, and wish him much health and happiness in the years ahead.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Councilman Hightower.

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